The God who is the King of Glory has called His servant Carl Odell Crisp from labor to reward on Sunday September 8, 2024, at UNC Health-Blue Ridge after a brief illness.   Carl was born October 26, 1931, in Morganton, North Carolina to the late Marion "Tince" Wardell and Mable Shade Crisp. As a young boy, Carl was known to be an eager learner and an excellent student, so much so that when it was time for his older sister Daisy to go to school, he was so distraught that he was allowed to enter school with her, resulting in the two of them being in the same grade, and their closeness caused some to think that they were twins. When they graduated from Olive Hill High School, they were both at the top of their class, with Carl as the Valedictorian and Daisy as the salutatorian.

After graduation, Carl matriculated at the renowned Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University. He later enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he proudly served his country for six years Carl's time in service stoked his love of travel, and he continued to travel nationally and internationally for many years before his health declined.

Upon returning to Morganton, Carl reunited with his Church family at Shiloh A.M.E. Church, where he held several positions and actively served in the Christian Education Department, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. He was employed as a manager of Giles Motors and later joined Burke County EMS, where he again served his community for many years before his retirement. Carl was always quick with a story or joke, and was always interested in what was going on in the community around him.  He was also one of the founders of the Lake James Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in his heavenly transition by his sister Daisy Lee Crisp Berry and her husband James, his first wife Geraldine Crisp, and young son Carroll Benson Crisp. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Cleo Perkins Crisp; special sisters in-law: Magalene Perkins, Wilma Perkins, Zelma Perkins, Christine Perkins, Hattie Perkins, and Clara Jackson all of Morganton; daughter Terri Crisp Berry and husband Mac of  Newport News, VA; grandchildren Astra Berry and Devin Berry; great-grandchildren Michael Bailey, Nora Berry, Isaiah Berry; niece Janet Berry Dixon great-nephew James Berry Stevens; close friends Bruce Ervin, Phillip Reece, and Pinkney Butler; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life of Mr. Carl Odell Crisp will be held Saturday September 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, with Rev. Jasper Hemphill officiating and Bishop Shawn Hooper serving as the eulogist; interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, with military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Mr. Crisp will lie in repose for public viewing on Friday September 13, 2024  from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The service will be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A